Article attachment system

ABSTRACT

An article attachment system ( 10 ) for a vehicle is disclosed having an elongated rail member ( 20 ) adapted to attach to the vehicle where the rail member ( 20 ) defines at least one partially enclosed space with at least one slide interface and a plurality of projections, and a bracket ( 60 ) operably engaging the rail ( 20 ) and adapted for mounting at least one article ( 12 ), and a positioning device ( 80 ) operably engaging the bracket ( 60 ) and having at least one extension adapted to move between an engaged position adapted for securing the article ( 12 ) to the rail ( 20 ) and a released position adapted for moving the article ( 12 ) relative to the rail ( 20 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following patent application is hereby incorporated by reference:U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,088 titled “Sliding Center Console System” issuedMar. 20, 2001.

FILED OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article attachment system for amotor vehicle. The present invention relates more particularly to anarticle attachment system slideably mounting and removably attaching anarticle in a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND

The use of systems for mounting articles such as consoles in vehicleshas been known for many years. In many systems, the articles or consolesare fixed in a single location and may include instruments, gauges,storage compartments, cup holders, as well as functional devices such asthe gear shift lever, the parking brake actuator, side window adjusters,etc. It is also known that a variety of lids or covers may be used withconsoles to conceal items such as coins, CD's, tapes, and other personalitems used by the driver or vehicle occupants. Covers for suchcompartments are usually pivoted along one edge so that they may beopened to provide access and closed to provide either an armrest orother functionality. It is also known that storage devices may belocated in instrument panels, including, for example, cigaretteashtrays, cup or can holders, etc.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,088 issued Mar. 20, 2001, to Fernandez et al.,and entitled “Sliding Console System”, a system is described whichincludes a track to provide longitudinal movement for a console bodywithin a vehicle. The illustrated embodiment also shows multiple consolebodies which can each be adjusted independently of one another. Theconsoles may have power provided by an electric cable or sliding contactwith the track so that one or more electrical devices can be containedin the consoles. The electrical functionality includes such features ascontrols for entertainment systems, climate control, seat adjustment,mirror adjustment, vehicle lighting, rear window defroster switches, aswell as for use of such devices as radios, telephones, or computer powerports. The disclosure of the patent indicates that the consolefunctionality may be used by the rear row seat occupants, as well as bythe front row occupants, however, there is no suggestion in the patentof having a concealed positioning device or the capability to providemultiple articles for use with the track.

Another system involving fore and aft movement of a vehicle component isshown in U.S. Published patent application 2001/0030440 A1, publishedOct. 18, 2001. The “Vehicle Seat Assembly” includes a fixed centerconsole between the front seats and a translatable center seat whichmoves from a rearward position in which it is aligned with the secondrow seats to a forward position in which it is located more closely tothe front seats. In the preferred embodiment of this patent, the centerseat includes a child safety seat mounted thereon.

A variety of other translatable console systems are known in the art.For example, Belsky et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 3,356,409 issued Dec. 5,1967 for “Sliding Console” discloses a console that rides along the topof a raised floor portion and can be moved fore and aft. The devicedisclosed in this patent also includes an air passage to assist inmoving air from in front of the console to the vehicle environmentbehind it.

A console box that can move forwardly and rearwardly is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,951,084 issued to Okozaki et al. on Sep. 14, 1999 for“Seat Structure for a Vehicle.” The console forms a portion of a rearseat and includes a cavity and a portion which folds down to form anarmrest. A carriage including rollers facilitates console movement.

Another console which includes a translatable portion is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,685,729, issued to Heesch on Aug. 11, 1987 for“Retractable Console for an Automotive Vehicle”. In this device, a screwdrive moves the portion so that the device can function as a passengerseat or a storage console.

Boulay et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,522 issued on Nov. 28, 2000 for“Vehicle” shows and describes a console which may be placed in variouslongitudinal locations on a ventilation shaft extending down the centeraxis of a vehicle. In addition to providing center console functionalityof the type described above, the console assists in controlling cockpitair conditioning.

Krafeik in U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,261, issued Jul. 24,2001 for “VehicleConsole” discloses a fore and aft translatable dual purpose console.When opened, anchorage rods for securing child seats are presented foruse. The area beneath the open top can hold a variety of articles.

DeAngelis et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,529 issued Oct. 24, 200 for“Multi-Position Sliding Center Console”, shows a carriage mountedconsole that can be moved fore and aft from between a front row of seatsto a rearward location. A track extending below the console includesslots, and the console is moved or locked into position by manipulationof a latch.

Yet another sliding console is shown in Japanese Patent No. 62-194953.This device is similar to some of the aforementioned consoles and allowsfor the console to slide under the front instrument panel by fixing aguide rail between the cabin front and a position between the seats. Inaddition, the gear shift lever is separately slidable along the samerails to allow optimum functioning at the side of the front seat, whilemaintaining a compact construction when the shift lever and the consoleare stored, one within the other.

While the general concept of console movement is addressed in the abovepatent art, generally ignored is the concealment of a positioningmechanism to reduce the introduction of contaminants and other foreignmaterial that may otherwise interfere with the movement of the article,and to conceal pinch-points that may be created by the interface ofmoving or engaging parts. Also generally ignored is the removability ofthe console and the ability to interchange the console with otherconsumer oriented articles useful in connection with a vehicle interior.Also generally ignored is the ability to move the console or article toa position beneath or nested with an instrument panel within thevehicle.

For example, it would be advantageous to configure a positioning systemfor an article in a manner that minimizes introduction of contaminantsand other foreign materials commonly found in vehicle interiors toimprove the functionality of the positioning system. It would also beadvantageous to provide an article attachment system with a positioningsystem for placing the article in one of a plurality of incrementalpositions in a manner that conceals engageable components that maycreate pinch-points or hazards to a user. It would be furtheradvantageous to provide an article attachment system having apositioning system adapted to self-engage in the event that ismisaligned by a user. It would be further advantageous to provide anarticle attachment system where the article may be removed from thevehicle. It would also be advantageous to provide an article attachmentsystem capable of receiving other consumer-oriented articles useful witha vehicle interior that are adapted to engage the positioning system. Itwould also be advantageous to provide an article attachment systemcapable of sliding an article to a position beneath or nested with aninstrument panel in a vehicle. It would also be advantageous to providean article attachment system having an integral lighting system forimproved night time illumination. It would also be advantageous toprovide an article attachment system with a sensor indicating when thearticle is not secured within the vehicle.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an article attachmentsystem having these or other advantageous features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article attachment system for avehicle, having an elongated rail member adapted to attach to thevehicle where the rail member defines at least one partially enclosedspace having at least one slide interface and a plurality ofprojections, and a bracket operably engaging the rail and adapted formounting at least one article, and a positioning device operablyengaging the bracket and having at least one extension adapted to movebetween an engaged position adapted for securing the article to the railand a released position adapted for moving the article relative to therail.

The present invention also relates to an article attachment system for avehicle interior having an elongated rail member coupled to a floorportion of the vehicle interior where the rail member defines at leastone partially concealed channel having a slide interface and a pluralityof positioning elements; a bracket adapted to couple to an article, thebracket having at least one non-rotational glide operably engaging theslide interface for longitudinal movement along the rail member; and apositioning device coupled to the bracket for selectively securing thebracket at one of a plurality of locations along the rail member.

The present invention further relates to a kit for an article attachmentsystem, having a rail member adapted for attachment to the interiorportion of a vehicle where the rail defines at least one partiallyenclosed space having at least one surface adapted for slideableengagement, and a bracket member adapted to couple to an article andadapted to slideably engage the surface, and a positioning deviceadapted to releasably secure the article in any one of a plurality oflocations on the rail member, and an actuator adapted to move thepositioning device between an engaged position where movement of thearticle is prevented and a released position where movement of theconsole is permitted.

The present invention also relates to a method of providing an articleattachment system for use in a vehicle interior, including the steps ofproviding a rail member adapted for coupling to the vehicle interior,the rail member defining a partially enclosed space having a surface,and providing a bracket adapted to receive an article and adapted toengage the surface, and coupling a positioning device to the bracket,where the positioning device is adapted for movement between an engagedposition where the positioning device engages the rail member and areleased position where the positioning device is substantially free ofengagement from the rail member, and coupling the article to the railmember.

The present invention further relates to a system for removablyattaching one or more articles in a vehicle interior and includes meansfor providing an elongated rail member having a partially concealedspace, means for coupling the elongated rail member to the vehicleinterior, means for mounting an article to the elongated rail member,and means for releasably securing the article in plurality of positionson the elongated rail member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view from a rear end of an articleattachment system according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded perspective view, similar to that of FIG.1, but showing the additional detail of the system according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an end view from a front end of the article attachment systemaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a positioning device for anarticle attachment system according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a rail member for anarticle attachment system according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

In the various drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicatelike components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, an article attachment system 10 is shown accordingto a preferred embodiment. Article attachment system 10 includes anelongated base member (e.g. track, runner, guide, etc.) shownschematically as a rail member 20, a movable support interface (e.g.slider, cover, etc.) shown schematically as a bracket 60, adapted toengage rail member 20 in a reciprocatingly slideable relationship and tosupport in a movable or stationary manner an article 12 (e.g. console,storage device, container, consumer object, etc.) shown schematically asa center console, and a releasable retainer interface (e.g. lock, latch,etc.) shown as a positioning device 80. Rail member 20, bracket 60, andpositioning device 80, cooperate to provide a movable and selectivelypositionable article attachment system for use in a vehicle. In aparticularly preferred embodiment, article attachment system 10 is shownfor use within the interior of a motor vehicle (e.g. automobile,minivan, sport utility vehicle, truck, recreation vehicle, etc.). Thearticle attachment system may also be used on an exterior portion of thevehicle, including, but not limited to, a truck bed or cargo storagearea. In alternative embodiments, the article attachment system may beused internally or externally in any other vehicle applications such asfarm or construction equipment, boats, aircraft or in non-vehicularapplications such as production facilities, offices, shops, etc.

Article 12 is coupled to bracket 60 in any suitable conventional mannersuch as a sliding interference fit, snap-fit connectors, quarter-turnlatches, quick-disconnects, spring clips (e.g. Z-axis clips, etc.) ormechanical fasteners (screws, bolts, rivets, etc.). In a particularlypreferred embodiment, article 12 is a center console for a vehicle andmay include such items as can or cup holders, storage bins, gear shiftand brake components, instruments, lights, lids, push-push containerholders, cavities, trays, electrical ports for connection of cellulartelephones, computers, ports for connection of infotainment devices,such as DVD players, etc. The invention is not to be limited to anyparticular functionality for the article, the number of articles or anyparticular relationship between articles if more than one is employed.Two articles can abut one another, but they may, in fact, be arranged tonest, one within the other, etc. In an alternative embodiment, thebracket may be integrally formed with the article or the bracket may becombined with the positioning device as a single unit.

Article 12 may be selectively removed from vehicle by disengagingbracket 60 from rail 20 and removing the article, as will be furtherdescribed. In an alternative embodiment, the article may be any consumeroriented object or device adapted for use in connection with a vehicle,and configured to receive a bracket, or have an integrally formedbracket, or be configured to be directly received on the rail in a fixedor slideable manner. Such alternative articles may include, amongothers, storage bins or compartments, cargo management devices, carrierracks, office or entertainment devices, holders, brackets, child safetyseats, jump seats, storage platforms, tables, camping gear, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5, the rail member 20, is shown accordingto a preferred embodiment. Rail member 20 has an elongated shape adaptedfor securing to the floor or base of a vehicle. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, rail 20 is laterally (i.e. side to side) centeredwithin the vehicle and extends in a longitudinal (i.e. fore and aft)direction between the front seats (not shown) and may extend between orbeneath seats in one or more rows of rear seating (not shown) in thevehicle. Rail 20 may any suitable length and location within the vehicleto suit intended applications. For example, Rail 20 may extend forwardto a position that allows article 12 to be positioned beneath, or nestedwith, an instrument panel or console (not shown) in a forward locationof the vehicle interior. Rail 20 may also extend rearward to anintermediate location within the vehicle, or may extend the full lengthof the vehicle interior to a rearward position that abuts a rearwardvehicle portion such as a end wall, lift gate, or cargo section (notshown). Rail 20 may also include a rear stop or end piece 22 that limitsmovement of article 12 when it reaches the rear end of rail 20. The rearend piece 22 may be removable or reconfigurable to allow article 12 tobe removed from rail 20 by sliding article 12 off of the rear end ofrail 20. The rear end piece 22 may also be reconfigurable in a mannerthat serves as a guide for sliding the article onto rail 20. The rail 20may be provided as a single member or may be provided in multiplesegments that may be selectively removed or joined forcustom-configuring a rail pattern adapted for a specific vehicle or userapplication, where the rear end piece 22 may be joined to the rearwardend of any such rail segments. In an alternative embodiment, one or morerails may be used and oriented in any suitable direction, or positionedin any suitable location within the vehicle. For example, the rails maybe oriented laterally within the vehicle between seating rows, or may beadapted to align with a side door of a vehicle. In another alternativeembodiment, the rail may be adapted for direct mounting or removal ofarticles.

Referring further to FIG. 2, 3 and 5, rail 20 has a generally flat base24 that may be attached to a vehicle floor in any suitable manner suchas with fasteners 26 (shown schematically as threaded fasteners such asscrews or bolts, but may be rivets, adhesives, spring clips (e.g. Z-axisclips), etc.) located within channels 28, or alternatively may be weldedto the vehicle floor or formed integrally with the vehicle floor duringvehicle floor production. Rails 20 also include receiving structure,shown schematically as ledges 30 for securing a trim member or coverpiece 32 that provides a top or cover for channels 28 and provides agenerally smooth and continuous appearance for the upper portion of rail20. In a particularly preferred embodiment, cover piece 32 is preferablya molded plastic piece adapted to engage ledges 30 in a snap-fit typeengagement or by suitable spring-type clips (e.g. Z-axis clips, etc.),and is configured to extend along the length of rail 20. Base 24 alsoincludes a first slide interface 34 having a lateral positioning device(e.g. stabilizer, guide, rib, etc.) shown schematically as an upwardlyprojecting ridge 36 on a first side of base 24 for interfacing withbracket 60 and for guiding the motion of bracket 60 along the length ofrail 20 in a manner that minimizes lateral or side-to-side movement orwandering of bracket 60. A second side of base 24 includes a secondslide interface (shown schematically as an upwardly facing surface 38)adapted to interface with bracket 60 in a manner that will be furtherdescribed.

Referring further to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, rail 20 includes lateralextensions 40 and 42 extending laterally outward from opposite sides ofrail 20. Lateral extensions 40 and 42 are shown in a particularlypreferred embodiment having a generally rounded contour forming an innerconcealed channel or space 44 that has an inverted opening (e.g.downwardly facing) intended to provide a partially concealed area inwhich exposure to contaminants and other foreign objects into space 44is minimized. Lateral extension 40 includes a lower portion 46 having aseries of downwardly projecting positioning elements (shownschematically as projections 48) that create a generally U-shapedopening 50 between adjacent projections 48 in the general form of alinear rack, and which are adapted to cooperate with positioning device80, as will be further described. In a particularly preferredembodiment, rail 20 is made of aluminum in an extrusion process.However, in alternative embodiments the rail may be made of magnesium,aluminum, steel, a metal alloy, plastic, or other suitable material inan extrusion, stamping, cold rolling or molding process, or othersuitable process. In another alternative embodiment, both lateralextensions may be provided with downward projections for use with apositioning device having correspondingly mating projections. In furtheralternative embodiments, the partially concealed channel or space may beprovided with any suitable orientation to minimize contaminant entry,such as, among others, an inwardly-facing channel or space, or anupwardly-facing channel or space having suitable trim, covers, shieldsor deflectors.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bracket 60 is shown according to apreferred embodiment. Bracket 60 is adapted to couple article 12 to rail20 in a slideable manner. In a particularly preferred embodiment,bracket 60 has a shape generally corresponding to the outline shape ofrail 20 and includes inwardly projecting portions (shown schematicallyas arms or runners 62 and 64) that are configured to extend into space44 for operable engagement with ridge 36 and surface 38 on the base 24of rail 20. In the particularly preferred embodiment, runners 62 and 64are coupled to a slideable interface (shown schematically asnon-rotational glides 66) made of a material having properties of highlubricity and low friction, such as a resin material (PPO, ABS,polycarbonate, etc.) that may be impregnated with a low friction andhigh lubricity material such as silicone or Teflon®. In the particularlypreferred embodiment, runner 64 includes an upwardly-turned end 70 andrunner 62 includes a downwardly turned end 72. Ends 70 and 72 areconfigured to receive glides 66 in a configuration that is intended topromote error-free installation such that the recess 68 of glide 66 isoriented downward to engage ridge 36 on base 24, and flat side 74 ofglide 66 is oriented downward to engage surface 38 of base 24 to providea slideable interface. The glides 66 are sized so that the upward sideof glides 66 are positioned with a small tolerance gap 76 with theunderside of lateral extensions 40 and 42 that provides suitableclearance along rail 20 to allow bracket 60 to travel smoothly in alongitudinal direction along rail 20. The upward side of glides 66 alsoserve to vertically restrain bracket 60 and article 12 in an upwarddirection since the vertical range of motion of glides 66 is limited tothe tolerance gap, at which point further upward movement of glides 66,and thus bracket 60 and article 12, is restrained by the underside oflateral extensions 40 and 42. In an alternative embodiment, the glidesmay be made of plastic or any suitable materials having a composite,impregnated, or homogeneous composition or other structure intended toprovide a low friction interface with the rail. In another alternativeembodiment, glides may be omitted and the frictional interface providedby portions of the bracket having a suitable size and shape to engagethe rail and having a low friction interface. Such a low frictioninterface may be provided, by way of example, as a coating, overlay,film or impregnation of the bracket material. In a further alternativeembodiment, glides may be substituted with rollers, wheels or bearings.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the positioning device 80 is shownaccording to a preferred embodiment. Positioning device 80 includes anactuator 82, and locking members (shown schematically as brackets 84 and86) each having an upper flange portion 88, a side wall 90 and a lowerflange portion 92. When actuated, actuator 82 is configured to extendbrackets 84 and 86 in a laterally outward direction against aninwardly-directed biasing device (shown schematically as a spring 94) torelease positioning device 80. When actuator 82 is released, biasingdevice 94 is configured to retract brackets 84 and 86 inwardly to engagepositioning device 80 as will be further described. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, upper flange portions 88 and actuator 82 havemating surfaces (shown schematically as angled cam surfaces), configuredin a generally common horizontal plane adjacent to the upward side ofbracket 60. Brackets 84 and 86 interface with bracket 60 in a laterallyslideable manner but are restrained from movement in a longitudinaldirection. Upper flange portions 88 include a tab portion 96 alignedwith a pair of tab portions 78 on bracket 60 for receiving biasingdevice 94 (shown schematically as a compression coil spring). Actuator82 includes an actuating and release extension (shown as actuating cable98) that extends to a handle 100 on article 12 that may be actuated in aconventional manner for moving actuator 82 in a longitudinal direction.As actuator 82 moves in a first longitudinal direction for releasingpositioning device 80, the cam surfaces of actuator 82 engage the camsurfaces of brackets 84 and 86 to extend brackets 84 and 86 outwardly.As actuator 82 is released, biasing device 94 moves brackets 84 and 86inwardly, thus moving actuator 82 in a second longitudinal direction forengaging positioning device 80 with rail 20. In a particularly preferredembodiment, actuator 82 is made of plastic and brackets 84 and 86 aremade of metal, however, other suitable materials may be used. In analternative embodiment, biasing device may be any suitable device forurging the brackets in an engaged direction, such as a tension spring,leaf spring, torsion spring, resilient compressible material, etc. Inanother alternative embodiment, the brackets and actuator may be anysuitable material and cam surfaces may have any suitable shape formoving the brackets to a released position. In a further alternativeembodiment, the positioning device may be integrated with the bracket orarticle for mounting on the rail in a fixed or a slideable relationship.

Referring further to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, lower flange portions 92 ofbrackets 84 and 86 have extensions shown schematically as inwardprojections 102 configured to releasably engage the openings 50 in base20. In a particularly preferred embodiment, lower flange portion 92 andprojections 102 form a linear rack and projections 92 may be shaped inthe form of a rectangle with square corners, or may have angled ortapered sides, or may have rounded corners. Projections 102 areconfigured to releasably engage rail 20 by extending into the openings50 between the downwardly extending projections 48 of lateral extension40 when positioning device 80 is engaged to prevent longitudinalmovement of bracket 60 on rail 20. Projections 102 retract from openings50 when positioning device 80 is released to permit longitudinalmovement of bracket 60 on rail 20. The biasing device 94 is furtherintended to provide a self-correcting positioning feature by creating aforce urging projections 102 inward so that if projections 102 are in anintermediate position where they are not aligned with openings 50 suchthat they are obstructed by downwardly extending portions 48, anymovement of the vehicle which creates inertial movement of the article12 and bracket 60 in a longitudinal direction will result in projections102 aligning with, and engaging openings 50. In an alternativeembodiment, projections may be provided on only a single lateral side ofrail for engaging the rail projections or the projections may be omittedfrom the positioning device and spring-biased catches, latches, or pawlsmay be provided to engage openings or notches provided in the base. In afurther alternative embodiment, the positioning device may engage therail by use of conventional securing devices such as a ski-boot typelatch, a quarter turn latch, a push-button type latch, set-screw typecatches, etc. In another alternative embodiment, the positioning devicemay include track members such those used in conventional seat trackapplications.

Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 3, an electrification system forarticle attachment system 10 is shown according to a preferredembodiment. The electrification system provides a source of electricalpower from the vehicle electrical system (such as, but not limited to,12 volt DC—not shown) to article 12 along the length of rail 20. Theinward portion of lateral extensions 40 and 42 include mountingstructure (shown schematically as ledge 110 and rib 112) for receivingan elongated conductor carrier (shown schematically as a carrier body114). In a particularly preferred embodiment, carrier body 114 is anextruded shape made of an electrically insulating material such asplastic, configured to conform with the inward contour of lateralextensions 40 and 42, and extend along the length of rail 20. Carrierbody 114 is formed with tolerance adjustment features (shownschematically as extensions 116) that are adapted for insertion intoreceptacles 118 (e.g. grooves, slots, channels, etc.). The extensions116 allow the position of carrier body 114 to be adjusted to accommodatetolerance variations along the length of rail 20 by shifting theposition of extensions 116 within receptacles 118. Carrier body 114includes a conductor strip 120 having a contact portion and leg portionsthat may be inserted into corresponding slots or openings on carrierbody 114. Conductors (e.g. wires, leads, pigtails, etc.—not shown)extend from conductor strip 120 to a conventional vehicle electricalpower source (not shown). In a particularly preferred embodiment,conductor strip 120 is made of copper or aluminum or other suitableconductive material. In an alternative embodiment, carrier body may haveany shape adapted to support a conductor along the rail, or may beintegrally formed with the rail (e.g. a rail with a conductive insert oroverlay portion, etc.). In another alternative embodiment, a flexiblecircuit may be provided with wiring that is adapted for accommodating amovable article, such as, for example, a selective take-up and let-outapparatus (e.g. reel device, wires configured in a U-shaped layout,etc.). In a further alternative embodiment, suitable electricalreceptacles may be provided at locations along the rail for receivingwire extensions (e.g. pigtails, etc.) from an article to provideelectricity to an article mounted on the rail.

Referring further to FIGS. 3 and 4, bracket 60 includes a resilientelectrical contact 122 adapted to contact conductor strip 120 along thelength of rail 20. In a particularly preferred embodiment, resilientcontact 122 is biased into a contact relationship with conductor strip120 to provide electrical conduction between contact 122 and conductorstrip 120 along the length of rail 20. Conductors (e.g. wires, leads,pigtails, etc.—not shown) are operatively coupled to contact and routedto provide a source of electricity to article 12. The electrical systemmay also include lights (e.g. light strips, LEDs, etc.—not shown)positioned along, or formed within rail 20 for use in illuminating aportion of the vehicle interior when the interior vehicle lights areswitched on, or when a vehicle door is opened, using a conventionalpower supply and switch configuration. Rail 20 may also include sensors(not shown) adapted to provide an alarm or signal when the article isdetached from the rail. In a particularly preferred embodiment, theelectrical power is twelve (12) volts, direct current (DC). In analternative embodiment, other voltage levels adapted for use witharticle 12 may be provided through the use of suitable voltageregulation devices (e.g. transformers, etc.—not shown).

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the article attachment system provided herein areillustrative only. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention have been described in detail in this disclosure,those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readilyappreciate that many modifications are possible in these embodiments(such as variations in installation location and orientation within avehicle, sizes, structures, shapes and proportions of the variouselements, mounting arrangements, use of materials, combinations ofshapes, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of the invention. For example, the article attachment systemmay be used in the interior of any vehicle or non-vehicular application.Also the rail may have any suitable shape, length, location ororientation for use in connection with attaching articles for slideableor fixed positioning. Additionally, the positioning device may includeany suitable securing device such as intermeshing elements,quick-releases, latches, etc. configured to releasably secure thebracket and article to the rail in a safe and convenient manner topermit ease of movement or removal, but also retain the article inposition in the event of sudden vehicle braking or impact. Any otherpositioning device already known for vehicle use may be used, forexample those used for manual seat adjustment, can be substitutedprovided that the rail, bracket and positioning device operate smoothly,and that the article be locked securely thereto to avoid separation ofthe article in the event of a sudden braking or an impact situation. Anyform of trim or cover can be applied on the rail for aesthetic andcleanliness purposes, that the rail and bracket be attractive, easilycleanable, etc. Further, it is readily apparent that the rail may beprovided in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, thickness, and engagementprofiles and adapted for installation along the roof, floor and sides ofa vehicle, or within a cargo area or other suitable location within avehicle. Also, the enclosed space formed by the rail may be provided inany suitable shape by any suitable rail configuration to conceal themoving or engaging parts of the positioning device to minimize exposureto users and to provide a streamlined, unobtrusive, aestheticallypleasing appearance. It is also readily apparent that articles may be inthe form of any removable object useful in connection with a vehicle andmay be designed with any profile suitable for attaching to the rail forstationary use or slidable movement along the rail. The article in theform of a console may be any suitable size to hold beverage cups, cans,and the like and includes electrical ports, such as those used forcigarette lighters, the connection of cellular telephone chargingdevices, etc. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to bewithin the scope of the invention.

While the present invention has been described in connection with aparticularly preferred embodiment thereof, the invention is not to belimited by the drawings. The order or sequence of any process or methodsteps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intendedto cover the structures described herein as performing the recitedfunction and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissionsmay be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement ofthe preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from thespirit of the inventions as expressed in the appended claims.

1. An article attachment system for a vehicle, comprising: an elongatedrail member adapted to attach to the vehicle; the rail member definingat least one partially enclosed space having at least one slideinterface along an interior surface of the rail member and a pluralityof projections; a bracket having at least one glide slidably engagingthe slide interface on the interior surface of the elongated rail memberand adapted for mounting at least one article; a positioning deviceoperably engaging the bracket and having at least one extension adaptedto move between an engaged position adapted for securing the article tothe elongated rail member and a released position adapted for moving thearticle relative to the elongated rail member.
 2. The article attachmentsystem of claim 1, wherein the elongated rail member is orientedlongitudinally within the vehicle.
 3. The article attachment system ofclaim 1, wherein the elongated rail member is oriented laterally withinthe vehicle.
 4. The article attachment system of claim 1, wherein theelongated rail member is adapted to attach to an external portion of thevehicle.
 5. The article attachment system of claim 1, wherein theelongated rail member is adapted to attach to an interior portion of thevehicle.
 6. The article attachment system of claim 1, wherein theelongated rail member extends to a forward position adapted to allow thearticle to nest with an instrument panel in the vehicle.
 7. The articleattachment system of claim 1, wherein the elongated rail member is atleast one rail segment adapted to be selectively coupled and uncoupledto another rail segment.
 8. The article attachment system of claim 1,wherein the elongated rail member and bracket are configured tovertically restrain the article.
 9. The article attachment system ofclaim 1, wherein the elongated rail member includes a fixed conductorstrip adapted to deliver electrical power to the article.
 10. Thearticle attachment system of claim 9, wherein the conductor strip iscoupled to the rail member by a carrier having at least one toleranceadjusting device.
 11. The article attachment system of claim 9, whereinthe bracket includes a contact biased for sliding engagement with theconductor strip.
 12. The article attachment system of claim 1, whereinthe at least one glide is two glides.
 13. The article attachment systemof claim 12, wherein the glide is a low-friction, high-lubricitymaterial.
 14. The article attachment system of claim 1, wherein thebracket further comprises runners operably engaging the slide interface.15. The article attachment system of claim 1, wherein the slideinterface further comprises a lateral positioning device.
 16. Thearticle attachment system of claim 1, further comprising a trim piececoupled to the elongated rail member.
 17. The article attachment systemof claim 1, wherein the elongated rail member is adapted to removablyreceive the article.
 18. The article attachment system of claim 1,wherein the article is one of a center console, a storage bin, acompartment, a cargo management device, a holder, an article mountingbracket, a storage rack, a child safety seat, a jump seat, a storageplatform, a table, a recreational item, or a sporting good.
 19. Thearticle attachment system of claim 1, wherein the positioning device isbiased in a self-correcting direction.
 20. The article attachment systemof claim 1, wherein the positioning device includes an actuator capableof remote actuation and operable to move the extension between theengaged position and the released position.
 21. A sliding floor consolesystem for a vehicle interior, comprising: an elongated rail membercoupled to a floor portion of the vehicle interior, the elongated railmember having a first electrical conductor and defining at least onepartially concealed channel having a slide interface; a bracket adaptedto couple to a console, the bracket having at least one non-rotationalglide slidably engaging the slide interface for longitudinal movementalong the elongated rail member and a second electrical conductorconfigured to movably engage the first electrical conductor; and apositioning device coupled to the bracket for selectively securing theconsole at one of a plurality of locations along the elongated railmember.
 22. The article attachment system of claim 21, wherein theelongated rail member includes a plurality of positioning elements. 23.The article attachment system of claim 21, wherein the positioningdevice includes an actuator adapted for remote actuation from thearticle.
 24. The article attachment system of claim 21, wherein theelongated rail member includes at least one lateral extension portion.25. The article attachment system of claim 21, wherein the elongatedrail member is integrally formed with the floor portion.
 26. The articleattachment system of claim 21, wherein the elongated rail memberincludes an end piece adapted to limit the position of the article. 27.The article attachment system of claim 21, wherein the positioningdevice includes at least one locking member operably engaging theactuator for extension and retraction in a lateral direction.
 28. Thearticle attachment system of claim 27, wherein the bracket and thepositioning device coact through a biasing device.
 29. The articleattachment system of claim 28, wherein the biasing device is a spring.30. The article attachment system of claim 29, wherein the biasingdevice provides a self-correcting interaction between the locking memberand the elongated rail member.
 31. The article attachment system ofclaim 21, wherein the glide is configured for coupling to the bracketonly in a single orientation.
 32. An article attachment system,comprising: a rail member adapted for attachment to a vehicle, the raildefining at least one partially enclosed space having at least onesurface adapted for slideable engagement; a bracket member adapted tocouple to an article and adapted to slideably engage the surface; anelectrification system configured to provide a source of electricityfrom the rail member to the article; a positioning device adapted toreleasably secure the article in any one of a plurality of locations onthe rail member; and an actuator adapted to move the positioning devicebetween an engaged position where movement of the article is preventedand a released position where movement of the article is permitted. 33.The system of claim 32, wherein the rail member includes a plurality ofprojections disposed within the partially enclosed space.
 34. The systemof claim 33, wherein the rail member includes a plurality of projectionsonly on a single side of the rail member.
 35. The system of claim 32,further comprising a glide member adapted to interface between thebracket and the surface.
 36. The system of claim 32, wherein the glidemember is non-rotational.
 37. The system of claim 32, wherein theelectrification system further comprises a conductive strip coupled tothe rail member.
 38. The system of claim 32, further comprising an endpiece adapted to couple to an end of the rail member.
 39. The system ofclaim 32, further comprising a biasing device adapted to bias thepositioning device in a self-correcting direction.
 40. The system ofclaim 32, wherein the article is one of a storage bin, a compartment, acargo management device, a holder, an article mounting bracket, astorage rack, an article carrier, a child safety seat, a jump seat, astorage platform, a table, a recreational item, or a sporting good. 41.The system of claim 32, wherein the rail member is a plurality of railmember segments adapted to be selectively coupled and uncoupled.
 42. Amethod of providing a sliding console system for use in a vehicleinterior, the method comprising: providing a rail member adapted forcoupling to the vehicle, the rail member defining a partially enclosedspace having a slide surface; providing a bracket at least partiallysurrounding the rail member and adapted to receive a console; providingat least one arm extending from the bracket into the partially enclosedspace, the arm including a glide adapted to engage the slide surface;coupling a positioning device to the bracket, the positioning deviceadapted for movement between an engaged position where the positioningdevice engages the rail member and a released position where thepositioning device is substantially free of engagement from the railmember; and coupling the console to the rail member.
 43. The method ofclaim 42, wherein the slide surface provides a slideable interface withthe glide.
 44. The method of claim 42, wherein the slide surfaceprovides a non-rotational interface with the bracket
 45. The method ofclaim 42, wherein the slide surface provides a fixed interface with thebracket.
 46. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step ofproviding a biasing device adapted to urge the positioning device intothe engaged position.
 47. The method of claim 42, further comprising thestep of providing a trim portion adapted to couple to the rail member.48. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of providing anactuator adapted to move the positioning device between the engagedposition and the released position.
 49. The method of claim 42, furthercomprising the step of providing an electrification system adapted tocouple to the rail member for providing electricity from a vehicleelectricity source to the article.
 50. A system for movably attachingone or more articles to a vehicle portion, comprising: an elongated railmember configured for attachment to the vehicle and having at least onelateral extension projecting at least partially over a slide surface toform a space that is at least partially concealed; a bracket at leastpartially surrounding the elongated rail member and lateral extensionand having an arm projecting into the space; an article coupled to thebracket; and a non-rotational low friction member interfacing betweenthe arm and the slide surface configured to permit movement of thearticle along the elongated rail member.
 51. The system of claim 50,wherein the vehicle portion is a vehicle interior portion.
 52. Thesystem of claim 50, wherein the vehicle portion is a vehicle exteriorportion.
 53. The system of claim 52, wherein the vehicle exteriorportion is a cargo storage area.
 54. The system of claim 50, wherein thearm projects at least partially beneath the lateral extension furthercomprising means for moving the article relative to the elongated railmember.
 55. The system of claim 50, wherein the elongated rail memberfurther comprises two lateral extensions and two slide surfaces.
 56. Thesystem of claim 50, further comprising an electrification system havingat least one resilient contact configured to provide electricity from avehicle electrical source to the article.